Noontime Rotary Club Holds Annual Spirit Awards Dinner

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime held its 12th Annual Spirit of Marco Island Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Bistro Soleil Restaurant.

Honorees included Lynne Minozzi, Ron McClay, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Organization and the Marco Island Academy Dream Team consisting of Dinos and Marianne Iordanou, Mark and Michelle Melvin and Kurt and Lori Lacks.

The gala included a cash appeal for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry which raised over $70,000! The pantry has been challenged with an unprecedented demand over the past two years due to the worldwide pandemic. Those in attendance were moved by the incredible work that Our Daily Bread has been able to accomplish and responded by generously pledging from $100 to $5,000!

The tremendous outpouring of generosity was awe-inspiring and reflected the evening’s theme of “Spirit of Marco”.

In addition to the cash appeal, funds were raised through sponsorships and a silent auction generously provided by local businesses and Rotarians that raised funds to support local students, schools and charitable causes.

The Spirit of Marco Island awards are presented each year to individuals, businesses and organizations that are civically involved through their contribution of time, talent and financial support of community causes. The Spirit Award recipients were nominated by local residents and other civic organizations and were ultimately selected by a committee of Rotary Club of Marco Island members.

Each of the four honorees were presented with their official award by Rotary Club President, Cindy Love, in front of a crowd of nearly 180 persons that included local dignitaries, family, friends and business leaders all of whom enjoyed a plated dinner, cash bar, and silent auction.

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island is a community and international service organization that takes great pride in acknowledging this year’s honorees for their incredible contributions to our island paradise!

Anyone interested in joining the Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island may contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at manager@royalmarcoway.com.

The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island wishes to thank all of the Sponsors for this event: Spirit Award Winners Major Sponsors - Erik and Nancy Brechnitz, Tom Menaker, Kathryn Pasternak, Jim and Allyson Richards along with Al’s Pals, Dr. Richard Siegel and Jim and Jane Watt. Gold Sponsors - Durell Buzzini, Al and Myrna Diaz, Marco Office Supply, and the YMCA of Marco. Silver Sponsors - Banyan Charters, Coastal Breeze News, Germain Lexus of Naples, and Marco Island Florist, Marco Island Furniture and Mattress Company, Prout’s Plumbing, J. Robert, Gwyn Steiner and Craig Blume. Bronze Sponsors: Prem and Jeanne Advani, Al Bismonte, Pat Ettensohn, First Foundation Bank, LCEC, Michael and Deborah Passero - Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises, Ron and Pat Rutledge, Alan and Linda Sandlin – Sandlin Team, Summit Broadband, Jennifer and Derek Tenney – Tenney Law, and Dr. Megan Welker.